Americana: Press Lord

If the Waitsburg Times town hall reporter has a question for high city officials, he does not have to take "No comment" for an answer: the reporter is Tom Baker, 53, who happens to be the mayor. Baker is also the publisher of the Times, which is the sole newspaper in Waitsburg (pop. 1,035), located in southeastern Washington. Townsfolk are neither impressed nor worried by the unusual situation. Says Banker Ken Miller: "It's easy for Tom. His newspaper is only two doors down from town hall." Explains Wheat Farmer Howard Smith: "It was his turn to be mayor."

Waitsburg does not get...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!